Alpha-theta Neurofeedback Research Articles

In Memoriam: Joe Kamiya, 1926–2021

In Memoriam: Joe Kamiya, 1926–2021

Improving Cognitive Workload in Radiation Therapists: A Pilot EEG Neurofeedback Study.

Radiation therapy therapists (RTTs) face challenging daily tasks that leave them prone to high attrition and burnout and subsequent deficits in performance. Here, we employed an accelerated alpha-theta neurofeedback (NF) protocol that is implementable in a busy medical workplace to test if 12 RTTs could learn the protocol and exhibit behavior and brain performance-related benefits. Following the 3-week protocol, participants showed a decrease in subjective cognitive workload and a decrease in response time during a performance task, as well as a decrease in desynchrony of the alpha electroencephalogram (EEG) band. Additionally, novel microstate analysis for neurofeedback showed a significant decrease in global field power (GFP) following neurofeedback. These results suggest that the RTTs successfully learned the protocol and improved in perceived cognitive workload following 3 weeks of neurofeedback. In sum, this study presents promising behavioral improvements as well as brain performance-related evidence of neurophysiological changes following neurofeedback, supporting the feasibility of implementing neurofeedback in a busy workplace and encouraging the further study of neurofeedback as a tool to mitigate burnout.

Effect of Neurofeedback and Simulation-based Training Interventions on Radiation Therapy Therapists’ (RTTs) Mental Workload, Situation Awareness, and Performance

To help with ongoing quality assurance (QA) and patient safety improvement efforts in radiation therapy (RT) the objective of this research was to assess the impact of validated Alpha-Theta neurofeedback and simulation-based training interventions on radiation therapy therapist (RTT) mental workload, situation awareness and performance during routine treatment delivery tasks. 32 RTTs completed routine QA and treatment delivery tasks on clinical scenarios in a simulation laboratory. Participants, equally randomized to 4 groups (+/- neurofeedback, +/- simulation-based training; 8 per group) had pre- and post-intervention assessments of mental workload, situation awareness, and performance. We used analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare the four study groups. Mental workload was quantified subjectively using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Situation awareness was quantified subjectively using the Situation Awareness Rating Technique (SART) and objectively using Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT). Performance was quantified based on procedural compliance (adherence to pre-set/standard QA time-out tasks) and error detection (detection and correction of embedded treatment planning errors). Both neurofeedback and simulation-based training interventions were associated with significant improvements in performance (p<0.01), but had no significant impact on mental workload or subjective or objective quantification of situation awareness. Innovative interventions like simulation-based training and neurofeedback might be effective tools to improve RTTs performance; which in turn can lead to improvements in patient safety.

Silent Epidemic: The Effects of Neurofeedback on Quality-of-Life

Background:The complex interaction of human, vehicle and environmental factors along with a lack of sustainable preventive programs has contributed to the “silent epidemic” of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). TBI poses a grave threat to the quality-of-life (QOL).Aim:The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of neurofeedback in QOL in patients with TBI.Materials and Methods:Pre- and post-interventional study design was adopted. Sixty patients, 30 in the intervention group (IG) and 30 in waitlist group with the diagnosis of TBI in the age range of 18-49 years were assessed on QOL scale, after obtaining the informed consent. Patients in the IG were given 20 sessions of alpha-theta neurofeedback training (NFT), 5 sessions / week.Statistics Analysis:Descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation, Mann-Whitney and Chi-squared test was used.Results and Conclusion:Patients in the IG showed statistical improvements in QOL post post-neurofeedback. Results are encouraging for the incorporation of NFT into treatment programs for patients with TBI in improving QOL.

Spectral Dynamics and Therapeutic Implications of the Theta/Alpha Crossover in Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback

The theta-over-alpha frequency crossover seen in alpha-theta neurofeedback, considered an important factor in the treatment's success, has had little definitive research. This study examined 182 alpha-theta session graphs from 10 subject case files for interactions between frequency band activity and subject reports of imagery or biographical memories during crossovers, as well as treatment outcomes. Statistical analyses revealed significantly more reports of imagery/memories during crossover conditions having specific spectral, amplitude, and duration characteristics. Imagery reports were more likely to occur during crossover activity of 1 microvolt or more, lasting at least 3 minutes, and including 3.75µv of 15–20 Hz beta. This defined therapeutic crossover condition also was significantly related to better treatment outcome measures.

Special Issue: New Horizons for Optimal Performance

Special Issue: New Horizons for Optimal Performance

Biofeedback and Dance Performance: A Preliminary Investigation

Alpha-theta neurofeedback has been shown to produce professionally significant performance improvements in music students. The present study aimed to extend this work to a different performing art and compare alpha-theta neurofeedback with another form of biofeedback: heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback. Twenty-four ballroom and Latin dancers were randomly allocated to three groups, one receiving neurofeedback, one HRV biofeedback and one no intervention. Dance was assessed before and after training. Performance improvements were found in the biofeedback groups but not in the control group. Neurofeedback and HRV biofeedback benefited performance in different ways. A replication with larger sample sizes is required.

Comparison of Alpha-Theta, Alpha and EMG Neurofeedback in the Production of Alpha-Theta Crossover and the Occurrence of Visualizations

Abstract Background: Alpha-theta biofeedback training has been employed in clinical addictions treatment since the first reports of successful application by Peniston and Kulkosky. Several studies have questioned the theta crossover component of this feedback protocol as necessary to the training condition. Methods: We observed theta and alpha amplitudes, percentage of theta/alpha crossover, and self-reports of visualization in 191 sessions of three different protocols of brain wave biofeedback. Feedback conditions studied were alpha only, alpha-theta, and a type of EMG training. Subjects with identical electrode placement in all conditions, and not informed as to the nature of the feedback received, were given the same induction and expectations. They were asked to describe imagery occurring during feedback. Results: Visualization was found to be not exclusive to alpha-theta neurofeedback, but instead was present in all three modes of feedback. In addition, an inverse relationship was found to exist betw...